There are many different organisations in the UK that are involved in maritime archaeology. The organisations featured here work closely with the Protected Wreck Association.
To be featured on this list please contact the Protected Wreck Association.
3H Consulting
3H creates software applications for marine geophysical survey and maritime archaeology. They provide advice and consultancy on maritime archaeology projects and marine geophysical investigations.
3H also migrate legacy archaeological site information to Site Recorder and provide training in Site Recorder, marine geophysics and underwater fieldwork.
Bournemouth University Maritime Archaeology
Maritime Archaeology has been an active subject at Bournemouth University since October 2001.
Bournemouth University have run various projects around the world of international significance ranging from the Bronze Age to the 20th Century.
CISMAS
CISMAS – The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Maritime Archaeology Society – was formed in 2004 to promote maritime archaeology in Cornwall and the Scillies. The society currently has over 100 members, about three quarters of them divers. The first CISMAS project was a two year survey of the debris field around the wreck of HMS Colossus (1798) in the Isles of Scilly. Other projects undertaken include:
- a maritime survey of Mount’s Bay in Cornwall
- surveying the wreck of HMS Firebrand (1707)
- a monitoring survey of HMS Colossus (1798)
- excavation on HMS Colossus in 2012 & 2015
- excavation in Tresco Channel in 2013
- work on the wreck of the Royal Anne Galley (1721)
- survey of the prehistoric inter-tidal archaeology of Samson Flats
The Hazardous Project
The Hazardous Project Group was formed in 1984 to investigate, survey and catalogue the 1706 wreck of the warship Hazardous in Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex.
Historic England
Historic England are the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment, from beaches and battlefields to parks and pie shops. They protect, champion and save the places that define who we are where we’ve come from as a nation. They care passionately about the stories they tell, the ideas they represent and the people who live, work and play among them. Working with communities and specialists they share their passion, knowledge and skills to inspire interest, care and conservation, so everyone can keep enjoying and looking after the history that surrounds us all.
Maritime Archaeology Trust / MA Ltd
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The Maritime Archaeology Trust is a registered charity with over 25 years’ experience in research, investigations and pioneering techniques for the study of marine cultural heritage. Originating in the South of England as the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, they have grown from regional roots to an internationally renowned authority on maritime archaeological issues and research. MA Ltd are the commercial arm of the Maritime Archaeology Trust. Their team has a wide range of experience in archaeological research and commercial diving using innovative techniques to provide services to support developers and heritage planners. They work together with organisations to protect maritime environments and offer an integrated approach to impact assessments, combining marine field investigations, planning, and research services. |
MAST
Britain’s extensive underwater cultural heritage ranks amongst the richest in the world. MAST’s mission is to investigate our maritime past to protect our future. MAST exist to fill a long overdue void in our understanding of our nation’s rich maritime heritage, to ensure that there is a sustainable future for such sites, through archaeology, research, study and dissemination.
MSDS Marine
MSDS Marine are a Marine and Coastal Contractor specialising in the management, execution and support of archaeological projects in the marine environment. MSDS Marine have a wide range of experience and expertise within the industry from the project management of large-scale underwater excavations through to the fulfilment of archaeological licence conditions prior to large infrastructure developments. MSDS Marine provide geophysical and hydrographic services including data collection, processing, visualisation and interpretation.
MSDS Marine are a diving contractor registered with the HSE and provide diving and logistical support to underwater projects both on Surface Supply or SCUBA dependant on requirements. MSDS Marine have experience of providing support to the wider marine sector including ecological assessments, pre and post construction surveys and specialist survey solutions. MSDS Marine are committed to creating hands on experience in the sector for students, volunteers and early career professionals and promoting public engagement with our work.
Nautical Archaeology
Society
The mission of the NAS is to research, record and protect our threatened underwater and coastal heritage for the benefit of everyone.
They strive to involve everyone in our mission to Protect, Record and Research all forms of nautical heritage whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Pascoe Archaeology
Pascoe Archaeology is about exploring and investigating archaeological sites underwater, whether they be shipwrecks or submerged prehistoric landscapes. They aim to reunite the past with the present by using a multi-disciplined team skilled in underwater recording and survey; remote sensing; 3D visualisation and reconstruction; excavation and recovery; and, finally, publication and display.
Pascoe Archaeology has over 15 years of experience investigating sites underwater, ranging from shipwrecks to submerged prehistoric landscapes and settlements. They can provide a range of skills for the recording and interpretation of submerged archaeology via diver survey methods or marine geophysics.
Pascoe Archaeology has the ability to undertake research in any aspect of nautical archaeology and history. Current research concerns the design and construction of British naval vessels; French influences in British naval ship construction; and developments and changes in ordnance, gun equipment and furniture carried on-board ships.
Since 2013 Pascoe Archaeology has been leading teams undertaking photogrammetry surveys on a number of wreck sites. These surveys have produced detailed 3D models of ships structures and artefacts. Results from recent surveys on the wreck of HMS Invincible have been used to create a 3D visualisation tour of the wreck site.
SWMAG
The SWMAG team consists of all amateur divers except for one member (Dave Parham) who is the appointed archaeologist and works as a lecturer on Marine Archaeology at Bournemouth University. SWMAG operate within the legislative framework in the UK and work closely with The Receiver of Wreck, English Heritage and The British Museum. Under the protection of Wrecks Act, two members of the team are the licensees for the Salcombe and Erme Estuary sites. SWMAG is primarily funded by the team but from time to time receives awards and grants from organisations such as The British Museum and The British Sub Aqua Club.
www.SWMAG.org
University of
Southampton
The Centre for Maritime Archaeology provides a focus for maritime archaeological research at the University of Southampton. Our multidisciplinary research draws on the University’s established excellence in archaeology, marine geophysics, history, environmental science, computing and ship science to address diverse maritime archaeological and underwater cultural heritage questions.
Wessex Archaeology
Wessex Archaeology provides the full-range of archaeology and cultural heritage services relevant to the marine environment and associated marine planning systems; comprising coastal, intertidal, nearshore (within 12 nm), and offshore. They have full service capabilities in UK, European and international waters; working on projects around the world.
Their clients include developers, consultants, national curators, national museums, government bodies and local communities.